How to correctly pronounce itself and what is the meaning of itself in English?
itself
pronoun
What is the definition of itself?
pronounThe neuter reciprocal pronoun of It.
Examples
- the thing is good in itself
- it stands by itself
What is the meaning of the word 'itself'?
- 'Itself' is a pronoun used to emphasize the subject of a sentence or clause, referring to the subject alone or emphasizing its action or state.
- It can also mean the same thing as 'the thing itself' or 'the very entity' being referred to.
How is 'itself' used in a sentence?
- 'Itself' is used to emphasize the subject or noun preceding it, e.g., 'The book itself is very old.'
- It can also be used to refer back to the subject for clarification or emphasis, e.g., 'The problem itself is not difficult.'
What are some synonyms of 'itself'?
- Some synonyms include 'themselves' (when referring to plural), 'the very,' 'the thing,' and 'the entity.'
What is the grammatical function of 'itself'?
- 'Itself' functions as a reflexive pronoun or an emphatic pronoun in a sentence. It can be used for emphasis or to refer back to a subject as the object of a verb or preposition.
Can 'itself' be used as an adjective?
- No, 'itself' is primarily a pronoun. However, it can function as an emphasizing device within a noun phrase or clause but not as an adjective.
Are there idiomatic expressions with 'itself'?
- Yes, phrases like 'in and of itself' are idiomatic expressions that mean 'intrinsically' or 'by itself.'
How does 'itself' differ from 'it'?
- 'It' is a pronoun used to refer to a subject or object, while 'itself' emphasizes the subject or indicates that the subject is the one performing or affected by the action independently or in isolation.
Is 'itself' used more in formal or informal language?
- 'Itself' is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in formal or written English for emphasis or clarification.
What is the origin of the word 'itself'?
- 'Itself' originates from Old English 'hit sylf,' where 'hit' means 'it' and 'sylf' means 'self'. Over time, it evolved into the modern form 'itself.'
Can 'itself' refer to non-human entities?
- Yes, 'itself' can refer to non-human entities, objects, animals, or abstract ideas, emphasizing or identifying the entity in question.
